Troy Sanders
YouTube has announced a significant update to its Shorts algorithm aimed at enhancing the prominence of original content. This change is designed to incentivize creators to produce more original videos while simultaneously reducing the visibility of aggregator accounts that simply repost others’ content.
According to YouTube, “To improve the Shorts experience for everyone, we’re updating our recommendation systems to further prioritize original content and reduce the reach of content re-uploaded from other creators without adding anything of your own. This update to our recommendation systems delivers a better experience for viewers while ensuring creators publishing original content have the best chance to grow and succeed.”
YouTube highlighted that this update is in line with the platform’s existing spam mitigation policy. This policy clearly states that creators should refrain from reposting material from other videos “without adding anything of your own; such as original commentary, educational value, or unique editing.”
YouTube further clarified, “Channels identified as primarily aggregating or re-uploading other creators’ videos without significant changes will likely see less distribution within the Shorts feed. If you use clips from another creator, make sure you’re adding real value through your own original commentary, unique edits, or storytelling.”
While YouTube recognizes that re-sharing and quoting posts can still play a role in broader discussions and engagement, it emphasizes the importance of adding one’s own voice or a distinct perspective to the conversation, rather than merely re-sharing others’ work.
Instagram has been pursuing a similar strategy, aiming to boost reach for original content creators and encourage them to share updates more frequently. Back in April, Instagram announced that it would cease recommending content from aggregator accounts within its discovery features.
Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri recently indicated that the reach of original content in the app has seen a significant increase since this policy change was implemented.
Mason Thompson
